Simultaneous Degradation‐Depolymerization of Bioderived Comb Copolymers

Lott, Megan E.; Aburaya, Lucas M.; Hughes, Rhys W.; Mann, Lauren E.; Young, James B.; Eades, Cabell B.; Merlino, Florencia; Su, Claire T.; Sumerlin, Brent S.

doi:10.1002/anie.202514906

Title: Simultaneous Degradation‐Depolymerization of Bioderived Comb Copolymers

Journal Article · Fri Oct 10 00:00:00 UTC 2025 · Angewandte Chemie (International Edition)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202514906 · OSTI ID:3017984

Lott, Megan E. ^[1]; Aburaya, Lucas M. ^[1]; Hughes, Rhys W. ^[1]; Mann, Lauren E. ^[1]; Young, James B. ^[1]; Eades, Cabell B. ^[1]; Merlino, Florencia ^[1]; Su, Claire T. ^[1]; Sumerlin, Brent S. ^[1]

Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most widely explored biodegradable alternative for polystyrene; however, its low toughness and glass transition temperature may limit its wider adoption as a sustainable replacement. To improve its material and thermal properties, PLA can be chemically or physically combined with other polymers, like poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), though the incorporation of vinyl‐based polymer components complicates chemical recycling and reduces the sustainability of the material. Here, in this study, we synthesized polymethacrylate‐PLA comb copolymers designed to be thermally deconstructed. Our design strategically extends current polymer deconstruction methodologies to more complex macromolecular systems. Thermally labile units within the polymethacrylate backbone permitted depolymerization that was concurrent with PLA side chain degradation during heating. This dual degradation‐depolymerization process enhances the overall sustainability of lactide/vinyl‐based copolymers and demonstrates the synergistic potential of integrating multiple deconstruction pathways into a single system. This report elaborates on the design of advanced, degradable copolymers, contributing to the further development of sustainable polymer materials.

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Research Organization:: Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States); Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: Army Research Office; National Science Foundation; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0021166

OSTI ID:: 3017984

Journal Information:: Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), Journal Name: Angewandte Chemie (International Edition) Journal Issue: 48 Vol. 64; ISSN 1521-3773; ISSN 1433-7851

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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